German couple sentenced in Spain for confining their three children at home

A German couple has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison by a Spanish court for keeping their three children—nine-year-old twins and an 11-year-old—locked inside their home in Oviedo for three and a half years. The parents, who hold German citizenship, with the mother also holding US citizenship, were arrested in April 2025 following reports of poor sanitary conditions and school absenteeism. The court found them guilty of family abandonment and causing psychological harm, though they were acquitted of the more severe charges of illegal detention. Prosecution had originally sought a 25-year prison sentence. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the parents to pay 30,000 euros in compensation to each child and revoked their parental rights for at least three years and four months. Defense lawyer Javier Munoz argued that the children were homeschooled and well-fed, and stated that the couple is considering an appeal. The parents, who have been in custody since their arrest, remain under temporary detention as they evaluate legal options.